The Coalition “Pod lupom” has published a press release presenting the final overview of its Election Day observation findings regarding the Repeat Early Elections for the Mayor of the Municipality of Vareš. The statement includes information on the voting process, closing of polling stations, recorded electoral irregularities, voter turnout, and preliminary results for the Mayor of Vareš.
Preliminary Results for the Mayor of the Municipality of Vareš
The Coalition “Pod lupom” monitored the vote counting process in the Repeat Early Elections for the Mayor of the Municipality of Vareš. The data below refer to the number of votes won individually by each candidate. These findings serve as a preliminary verification of the official election results.
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MALIK RIZVANOVIĆ (SDA – Party of Democratic Action): 49.90%
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DARIO DODIK (Independent Candidate): 20.28%
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NURDIN BEGOVIĆ (SBiH – Party for Bosnia and Herzegovina): 19.98%
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IGOR ŠIMIĆ (HDS – Croatian Democratic Union 1990): 6.27%
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STELA TERZIĆ (HDZ BiH – Croatian Democratic Union of Bosnia and Herzegovina): 3.57%
The preliminary results indicate that the mandate for Mayor of the Municipality of Vareš will be awarded to Malik Rizvanović (SDA).
Voter Turnout in the Repeat Early Elections for Mayor
The Coalition “Pod lupom” monitored voter turnout throughout Election Day. Turnout data were published at three key time intervals: 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM, and 7:00 PM, corresponding to the same intervals used by the Central Election Commission of Bosnia and Herzegovina (CEC BiH) when releasing official turnout information. This approach enables independent and timely verification of turnout data, alongside comparison with official CEC figures.
The recorded turnout in the Repeat Early Elections for Mayor of Vareš was 43%. For comparison, turnout in the 2024 Local Elections in the Municipality of Vareš stood at 46.21%.
Voting Process up to 7:00 PM
Preliminary observation results indicate that the voting process in the Municipality of Vareš was generally orderly, without serious irregularities that could compromise the election results. The identified irregularities were limited in scope and procedural in nature.
The latest overview confirms that traditional electoral irregularities and procedural shortcomings occurred to a lesser extent compared to regular elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina:
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Family voting/more than one person in the voting booth – up to 10 cases (observed at 25% of polling stations / 5 polling stations)
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Assistance in voting without evidence that such assistance was genuinely required (at 10% of polling stations / 2 polling stations)
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One person assisting multiple voters inside the voting booth – up to 10 cases (at 10% of polling stations / 2 polling stations)
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Photographing the ballot paper (at 10% of polling stations / 2 polling stations)
These were isolated cases that did not affect the overall integrity of the voting process but represent areas requiring additional attention and strengthened oversight by the election administration.
Closing of Polling Stations
Observers of the Coalition “Pod lupom” monitored the closing time of polling stations, the presence of polling board members, the protection of voters’ rights to cast their ballots, and the organization of final procedures.
Closing Time
Polling stations were generally closed in accordance with regulations. All polling stations closed precisely at 7:00 PM.
Vote Counting and Packaging of Election Materials
Vote counting was conducted in line with electoral rules and procedures at the vast majority of polling stations. According to observers’ reports, the determination of invalid ballots was not carried out in accordance with CEC regulations at three polling stations (15%). At one polling station, unused and damaged ballots were not placed in envelopes and, together with non-red pencils, secured in a protective bag prior to vote counting. At another polling station, not all observers were able to clearly and unobstructedly monitor the counting process.
No irregularities were recorded in the packaging of election materials. At one polling station, the yellow copy of the summary results form was not publicly displayed, while at another polling station it was displayed but illegible. Pursuant to the Election Law of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Chairperson of the Polling Board is required to publicly display a detailed tabular overview of the voting results at the polling station so that the public may review them, and copies of the voting results must be provided to accredited observers upon request.
Expressions of Appreciation
The Coalition for Free and Fair Elections “Pod lupom” extends its sincere gratitude to all citizen, non-partisan observers who participated in observing Election Day for the Repeat Elections in Vareš. Their dedication, professionalism, and commitment significantly contributed to strengthening electoral integrity.
We also thank the media for responsible and professional reporting, which enabled the broader public to follow our work and better understand the electoral process. Appreciation is extended to all electoral stakeholders who demonstrated readiness for cooperation and respect for procedures throughout the process.
Finally, we thank all citizens who, through their participation, demonstrated their commitment to democracy and to free and fair elections. Active citizen participation forms the foundation of free and fair elections.
